I am thinking about doing the Friends for Life Bike Rally this July (It's a fund raiser for people living with AIDS), it goes from Toronto to Montreal in six days. I was thinking this would be a good way to get into touring as it is fully supported and there will be lots of other riders to give me that extra push.

I've been reading the posts in the touring sectiong and found some good info but I just have a few more questions that maybe you guys can answer for me.

- Is this too big of a trip for my first one? (I'm a daily commuter but have not done any distance riding)

- What is the best way to train for something like this? Should I be doing other things aside from tons of riding?

- Has anyone done this trip? What can I expect?

- Am I crazy?

- Do I get to buy new toys for my bike?

I want to be a better rider and thought this would give me a goal to work towards but is it realistic?

You need to have a healthy eating regimen, ON and off the bike. I would suggest some long rides on the weekends of at least 50miles (I think that's about 70 or 80 K) to test your endurance and learn how much you need to eat & drink while riding to keep your energy level up.
A regular stretching routine would be helpful and perhaps some weights. The more prepared your body is, the more fun you will have.
And you are not crazy to contemplate such an adventure, and you can buy toys for your bike if you want to and discover you need them.
I think you are undertaking a wonderful and worth while endeaver. Good Luck.

-Is this too big of a trip for my first one? (I'm a daily commuter but have not done any distance riding)

no I would think if you set your sights and make a goal of training you will have a good ride.

[/COLOR] - What is the best way to train for something like this? Should I be doing other things aside from tons of riding? [COLOR=darkblue]-

you do need to ride a lot being that this is the off season if you live in a winter area. cross train, get in the gym strength train talk to a trainer or coach get a plan to work with. work upper and lower body. leg press, squats, leg extemsions, leg curls. upper body lat pull downs seated rows, push ups, chin ups. are all good off season strength sessions dont forget flexability training STRETCH!!! as the out door season approaches taper your weight training .

build a aerobic base take some classes try a SPINNING class. when the weather breaks get out ojnthe bike mostof these multi day charity rides will send you a training plan to build base miles and prepare for the event. you normally get this when you register. read through the plan use some or all of it and ride and ride some more. build the miles up as you go

These riides are fun and for a great cause when you get tired and think you are challenged and cant go on think about why you are riding, those that live woith this terrible deasise are facing a challenge so much greater than that and they do it every day certinially you can make it up the next hill!

if you get the chance read a book called "long distaNCE CYCLING BY ed bURKE

Has anyone done this trip? What can I expect?

never done this particular ride but have done many charity rides you can expect to be challenged at times you will meet many new friends some you willkeep forever, you will get tired hot rained on cold happy sad over joyed warm every emotion when you cross the finish line it wil be an experiance to cherish and remember for a lifetime.

Am I crazy?

maybe but it helps to be

[B] Do I get to buy new toys for my bike?

yes give your self something special for doing such a good thing like maybe a new comfortable seat
enjoy the ride
catfish

Well, 300 miles in 6 days = 50 miles a day, and supported, too. Add to that the fact that it's on flat terrain (unless they go off into the Kawarthas, then who knows?). Sounds like an extremely easy ride.

So I bit the bullet and signed up for the rally, no turning back!! Now all I have to do is get in shape and raise pledges! Thanks for the book referral Catfish, I had to order it but it should be here soon.
I haven't started training yet but I did change my commute route so it's 12km each way. Not much but it's a start. I still have five months and there are group rides I can participate in before we leave. I'm sooo excited!!!!!

Go for it, Betsy Girl! You may want to check out www.redacrossamerica.org to read the story of two gentlemen who made a 4660 mile, 4-month, largely unsupported, trek down the east coast of the U.S., then west to San Diego.

You sound to me like you are much better prepared for the trip right now than many people will be at the start line.
Simply riding every day will give you enough saddle time to condition your butt. You dont NEED any training like spinning or weights, but stretching is always good. Get out and ride a few longer distances at weekends. Start with a 20-25 miler, then go for a 50. 50 miles is not that far, about 5 hours in the saddle at most.

Get some good kevlar belted, high pressure slick tyres (1.5" for an MTB wheel, 28-32mm for a hybrid wheel).
Do you use to clips or clipless pedals? On longer tours either of these will make cycling more efficient. Also make sure you can handle any common problems like punctures or snapped cables.

It helps to have some nice cycling kit, a couple of pairs of shorts and jersies, some good gloves ,helmet and shades.

You need a water bottle cage or 2. If your saddle is OK, then keep it, but if it gives you problems on longer rides , look around for a replacement long before the tour.